New Zealand Memorial
The New Zealand Memorial in London’s Hyde Park Corner commemorates the enduring bonds between New Zealand and the United Kingdom, and our shared sacrifice during times of war. It is a symbol both of our common heritage and of New Zealand’s distinct identity. I was unable to make the dedication in November or the ANZAC day commemorations but found my way there a couple of days later. It reminded my homesick-self of home and was a beautiful place to spend an hour.
Designed by architect John Hardwick-Smith and sculptor Paul Dibble the memorial consists of 16 cross-shaped vertical bronze ’standards’ set out in formation on a grassy slope. Each standard is adorned with text, patterns and small sculptures. “Through the words and images, any New Zealander visiting the memorial will recognise home, and British people may learn something of the relationship between our two countries,” explains Paul Dibble.
The memorial, was dedicated on 11 November 2006 and is expected to become a particular focus for Anzac Day commemorations in London each year.
I’ve uploaded some photos from my visit to the memorial. Here’s a preview -
Click here to find out more about the memorial.
I’ve also uploaded a couple more photos to my “London - Out and About” album so go look at those :o)
I have had a father and a brother serve my country. Both have seen and experienced things that no one should go through. They are not the only ones who have paid a price; all of us in my family have paid a price resulting from the emotional consequences of what they went through.
Memorials such as the one in London are important, but so to is ongoing support for the service men and women and their families, for the cost of war extends beyond the battlefield.
Lest we forget.
I greatly appreciate your photographs* of the New Zealand memorial and hope one day to see it myself. When I was a young man and worked in Baker Street I used to pass Hyde Park Corner on the bus from Victoria Station every morning. I would fleetingly study the Royal Artillery Memorial from the bus (at traffic lights) and was always moved by the bronzes surrounding it. I imagine the NZ memorial is close by?
Don Donovan
http://www.donovansworld.blog.co.nz
*Many of your other photographs are excellent, too.